Gary Wayne Hammond allegedly failed to inform his firm of transactions totaling more than $1.6 million, including significant investments in his half-brother's companies, which FINRA claims were Ponzi schemes.

After a white-hot 2020, M&A experts believe we still haven’t reached a peak; many expect deal structures to evolve and new buyers to find the market in the coming months.

With everything else going on—remote work, endless Zoom meetings and video conferences, dealing with the never-ending pandemic—don't neglect these qualities of elite advisors.